Next Gunther challenger, top star to turn heel? - 4 possible directions for Sami Zayn following Kevin Owens' move to WWE SmackDown

Triple H is making major moves in WWE. The Game is rumored to have 99% control over the company's creative direction and has supposedly been "knighted" by Endeavor to lead the promotion. Based on the quality of recent shows and sound decisions made, it certainly seems as if Triple H is leading the charge.

One of the major changes implemented was the reintroduction of General Managers. Triple H revealed that Adam Pearce will now manage Monday Night RAW, while former NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion Nick Aldis will be the head of Friday Night SmackDown.

Nick's first public act as the General Manager of SmackDown was to complete the trade that first started several weeks ago when Jey Uso moved from the blue brand to RAW. SmackDown was owed a superstar in return, and the talent ended up being Kevin Owens.

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While fans loved this decision, it means the pairing of Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens cannot continue for the time being. With The Underdog from the Underground forced into a singles role on RAW, what might his future hold? This article will look at a handful of directions his career on the red brand may take.

Below are four directions for Sami Zayn on WWE RAW.

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#4. Sami may be upset with Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes

As noted, Nick Aldis bringing Kevin Owens to Friday Night SmackDown was part of a blockbuster trade. It was revealed at Payback that Cody Rhodes used the sway he had to help convince WWE brass to save Jey from his family on SmackDown and move him to RAW.

Cody's actions paid off well for both men. Jey was able to escape his family, and over time, the two were able to bond. Now, the pair are the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. While it worked out well for both superstars, it backfired on Jey's biggest supporter, Sami Zayn.

Zayn was Jey's biggest cheerleader, but now he lost his partner thanks to Cody's seemingly selfless act. There is a chance that the former NXT Champion will be upset with both Jey and Cody for the trade, which could then create drama on Monday Night RAW.

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#3. He could resume his feud with Gunther

Gunther is the most dominant champion in WWE besides Roman Reigns. It is safe to say that he is also one of the most impressive champions in the history of the promotion. This is partially thanks to his incredible Intercontinental Championship reign closing in on 500 days, the longest in the belt's history.

One of The Ring General's victims happened to be Sami Zayn. The Austrian and Canadian clashed on RAW back in August. In the end, The Underdog from the Underground lost to Gunther in about 12 minutes. This is their only televised singles match ever.

It should be noted, however, that their bout did not have the WWE Intercontinental Championship on the line. Now that Sami is on his own, he may want to try his luck against the bruising star once again, this time in the hopes of winning a title.

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#2. Sami Zayn could chase the World Heavyweight Championship

Seth Rollins in action.

While Gunther is one of the most impressive champions in WWE history, his title is not technically the top one on the brand. Instead, the most important belt Monday Night RAW has is arguably the World Heavyweight Championship.

Seth Rollins is the reigning and first-ever World Heavyweight Champion, having won the title several months ago. Since capturing the belt, Seth has defeated Damian Priest, Bron Breakker, Finn Balor, and Shinsuke Nakamura in high-stakes championship matches.

The Visionary's next challenger is slated to be Drew McIntyre. Regardless of which star walks away as champion, Sami could choose to be next in line for a title shot. This could lead to him winning his first world title since joining WWE around a decade ago.

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#1. He could fully turn heel in WWE

Sami Zayn at Elimination Chamber

A previous entry considered that Sami Zayn may be upset with Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso for the trade that led to Kevin Owens moving to SmackDown. This, in theory, could lead to some tension and disagreements. Sami could even be a bit down on his luck and depressed.

An alternative direction for the Canadian superstar is to potentially turn heel on RAW. Sami could shockingly lash out and attack the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.

While turning Sami into a heel character when the WWE Universe loves him so much would be a questionable decision, it could very well happen. It remains to be seen how Sami Zayn will react to Kevin Owens moving to SmackDown. It remains to be a mystery for the time being.